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When we think of the perfect travel experience, our minds automatically wander to remote places we know but have never had the chance to visit.
In doing so, we make one big mistake: we overlook all the great destinations that are right under our noses, cities that other travelers probably dream of visiting and that we take for granted.
That’s especially the case with a criminally overlooked gem from Pennsylvania, a place that’s recent National Geographic publication voted one of the best travel destinations in the world.
And below, you’ll discover what makes Pittsburgh such a fantastic choice for your next US vacation.
So much to discover
Because most people only know Pittsburgh for its industrial past, they tend to write it off as just another big city with little to see – but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Even beyond iconic landmarks like the Andy Warhol Museum (home to the largest collection of the artist’s work), the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, and the Carnegie Museum Of Natural History, the city promises visitors an experience full of culture, art, and excitement.
Even outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to like in Pittsburgh, as they take advantage of the 165 extensive park system that extends from the scenic trails of Frick Park to the panoramic views of Mount Washington.
Art lovers, on the other hand, won’t want to miss a trip through the city’s cultural district, where they can find the Benedum Center and the Byham Theater.
If this all sounds a bit overwhelming, you can always book an organized tour that will take you through some of Pittsburgh’s biggest attractions, such as this that starts at $75 per person.
You get a lot for your money
The biggest concern travelers have when visiting a larger American city like this is that costs can quickly add up.
And while that’s true for comparable places, Pittsburgh is actually one of the cheapest destinations of its kind and size, as you can also see in this US News Real Estate article here.
Don’t let the publication’s name fool you: Housing isn’t the only thing that’s surprisingly affordable in this Pennsylvania hub.
A three-course meal for two at the average restaurant price about $60 (which is much better than what you would get in most comparable places in the US), while a 1 mile cab ride costs less than $2!
If you want to make your trip to Pittsburgh extra budget-friendly, you’ll be happy to know that places like the Carnegie Museum offer deeply discounted tickets for students and seniors.
Admission is completely free on the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday of each month, so try to time your visit accordingly.
One of the safest cities in the country
Not only does Pittsburgh offer excellent value, but it’s also one of the safest cities you can visit in all of North America, which, let’s face it, is any destination’s biggest selling point.
Traveling should be fun and relaxing, and here you don’t have to look over your shoulder every two seconds.
The same source I mentioned above thought Pittsburgh had a remarkable case lower crime rates than urban areas of comparable size – and that’s inclusive Cleveland, CincinnatiAnd Baltimore.
A thriving technology center that gives San Francisco value for money
Okay, so I’m not really a fan of the “destination dupe” trend going around right now because every place has its unique charm and character, but Pittsburgh is really kind of like a smaller, cheaper, and safer San Francisco, so if that’s a city you’ve been wanting to visit for a while, since Pittsburgh could work in your favor instead.
The Pennsylvania hub has the same “hilly tech town” vibe and forward-thinking industries that make San Francisco so fascinating.
If that sounds like something you want to experience in the near future, your decision-making process just got a lot easier!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
